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自从 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
自从
zìcóng
since (a time)
HSK 5, p, 10 strokes, rank #1171, Hard
自从
zìcóng
ever since
HSK 5, p, 10 strokes, rank #1171, Hard
zìcóng(zi4cong2)zi cong T4
1since (a time)
2ever since
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March 24, 2026
自从(自從)zìcóng(zi4cong2)
自从 (zìcóng) is a conjunction meaning 'since' or 'ever since.' It is used to indicate a starting point in time for an action or situation that continues into the present. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it emphasizes continuity from a specific moment in the past.
Strokes10Frequency#1171DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the past is important, and expressions like 自从 reflect a mindfulness about time and history. For example, people often refer to significant personal or historical milestones using this word.
Memory tip
Imagine a person saying 'I have been myself (自) since (从) I learned to ride a bike.' Visualize them riding a bike since that moment, symbolizing continuity. The character 自 (self) connects with ‘from oneself’ and 从 (from) signifies the starting point.
Meanings of 自从
zìcóng(zi4cong2)
1since (a time)
2ever since
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 自从
自从Simplified
自從Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#1171Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 自从
Podcast: 自从
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AI study notes for 自从
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 自从 with 以来 (yǐlái), which also means 'since,' but is used differently in sentences. 自从 often requires a time phrase to follow, while 以来 is more flexible. For example, use '自从我搬家以来' (Since I moved) instead of just '自从我搬家.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 自从 connects with other temporal expressions like 以后 (yǐhòu - after) and 之前 (zhīqián - before). Focus on using it in sentences that describe changes or ongoing actions since a specific event.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 自从 by omitting the time reference. For example, saying '自从我在中国' (Since I in China) is incorrect; it should be '自从我来到中国' (Since I came to China).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 自从
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自从 (zìcóng) is a conjunction meaning 'since' or 'ever since.' It is used to indicate a starting point in time for an action or situation that continues into the present. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it emphasizes continuity from a specific moment in the past.
When to use 自从
Be cautious not to confuse 自从 with 以来 (yǐlái), which also means 'since,' but is used differently in sentences. 自从 often requires a time phrase to follow, while 以来 is more flexible. For example, use '自从我搬家以来' (Since I moved) instead of just '自从我搬家.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 自从 by omitting the time reference. For example, saying '自从我在中国' (Since I in China) is incorrect; it should be '自从我来到中国' (Since I came to China).
Write 自从
自
从
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Grammar patterns of 自从
自从 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
